Porsche's Coupe-ified Cayenne Shows Itself In Prototype Form

It seems like no matter how many new models an automaker releases, there always seems to be more room for SUVs. BMW started the trend of SUV-coupes with the X6: an uglier, less practical version of the X5. The X6 has become better looking over time, and has spawned countless competitors from Mercedes, Audi, and now Porsche. Rumors indicated that Porsche would build several new models, including a Cayenne-based SUV-coupe. The rumors were clearly true, because we've just spotted this new SUV out testing.

Like most SUV-coupes, the Cayenne will likely receive a chopped roofline resembling a two-door coupe, without sacrificing all of the practicality that an SUV offers. The rear hatch and rear headroom will likely be compromised, as it is on competitors like the BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe, and Audi Q8. Based on the appearance of the test mule, the Cayenne Coupe will resemble a cross between the standard Cayenne, the smaller Macan, and the Panamera Sport Turismo. This could change on the production car, but we like what we see so far. At the back, a retractable spoiler will increase aerodynamics at high speeds.

We can't confirm whether the Cayenne Coupe will have seating for four or five passengers. This prototype was a four-seater, but a middle seat may be offered on the production version. We expect the Cayenne Coupe to share engines and an interior with the standard car. These SUV-coupes have been hit and miss in terms of styling, so we hope Porsche can get it right. Expect to see the production car in late 2019 as a 2020 model.